Post by David Roon on Sept 1, 2015 21:47:24 GMT
Funding Available: Yes
Contact person: Dr. Janet Rachlow
Project Description
The pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) is a monotypic species in it’s a genus that occurs only in the Great Basin and intermountain West. The species is a sagebrush (Artimisia) habitat specialist with a number of unique characteristics. Unlike sympatric and similar-looking cottontails (Sylvilagus spp.), pygmy rabbits are obligate burrowers that excavate and use fairly complex burrows throughout the year. In addition, females excavate natal burrows during the breeding season. Pygmy rabbits weigh ~400-500g, about half the size of cottontails, and they have relatively shorter hind limbs. The gait of pygmy rabbits also differs from the typical leporid bounding. In the first description of the species in 1800s, C. Hart Merriam described their movement as a “slow, scampering gait” (Merriam 1891). This style is typically used when pygmy rabbits retreat under dense vegetation, however, when disturbed and forced to cross relatively open areas, they are anything but slow!
We seek to quantify the gaits and morphology of pygmy and cottontail rabbits to test hypotheses about the differences between these species. Questions include: How do the gaits differ between species at similar speeds and across a broad speed range? Is gait selection predictable base limb morphology (e.g., limb segment lengths)? We seek 2 motivated undergraduates to collaboratively conduct independent research over the next 1-2 years that will include preparation of a research proposal, execution of the research with both live animals and dead specimens, and submission of a paper for publication. This research is a collaborative effort that will be mentored by both Criag McGowan (Biology) and Janet Rachlow (Wildlife) at UI with Lisa Shipley (Wildlife) at WSU.
Contact person: Dr. Janet Rachlow
Project Description
The pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) is a monotypic species in it’s a genus that occurs only in the Great Basin and intermountain West. The species is a sagebrush (Artimisia) habitat specialist with a number of unique characteristics. Unlike sympatric and similar-looking cottontails (Sylvilagus spp.), pygmy rabbits are obligate burrowers that excavate and use fairly complex burrows throughout the year. In addition, females excavate natal burrows during the breeding season. Pygmy rabbits weigh ~400-500g, about half the size of cottontails, and they have relatively shorter hind limbs. The gait of pygmy rabbits also differs from the typical leporid bounding. In the first description of the species in 1800s, C. Hart Merriam described their movement as a “slow, scampering gait” (Merriam 1891). This style is typically used when pygmy rabbits retreat under dense vegetation, however, when disturbed and forced to cross relatively open areas, they are anything but slow!
We seek to quantify the gaits and morphology of pygmy and cottontail rabbits to test hypotheses about the differences between these species. Questions include: How do the gaits differ between species at similar speeds and across a broad speed range? Is gait selection predictable base limb morphology (e.g., limb segment lengths)? We seek 2 motivated undergraduates to collaboratively conduct independent research over the next 1-2 years that will include preparation of a research proposal, execution of the research with both live animals and dead specimens, and submission of a paper for publication. This research is a collaborative effort that will be mentored by both Criag McGowan (Biology) and Janet Rachlow (Wildlife) at UI with Lisa Shipley (Wildlife) at WSU.